Second Live Show of X Factor 2026 Sparks On-Air Tensions and Stage Eliminations
The second Live Show of X Factor 2026 brought heated exchanges to the judging panel as contestants competed across two distinct rounds. Broadcast on Sky and streaming on NOW, the Sky Original production saw clashes between judge Francesco Gabbani and his fellow mentors while the competition narrowed down its roster.
Judge Confrontations Erupt Over Cover Choices and Band Styling
The evening grew tense when Francesco Gabbani defended the band Scraffs after they performed the Baustelle track “Charlie fa surf,” according to Source 4. Fellow judge Jake La Furia argued that the group had lost their edge since the auditions, while Paola Iezzi suggested the members lacked a distinct identity. Gabbani responded by suggesting other acts at the desk had grown complacent, prompting Iezzi to call the remark intellectually dishonest. Host Giorgia stepped in to manage the dispute as the argument escalated on the live broadcast.
Friction continued when contestant Lenanie, part of Irama’s team, performed a rendition of Ivano Fossati’s “C’è tempo” with altered lyrics. Gabbani questioned whether rewriting portions of established covers breached competition guidelines, while Irama defended his artist, asserting that the original songwriter would appreciate the new verses. Tensions eventually eased ahead of the second round of performances.
Teo Bok Returns and Veronica Exits the Competition
The elimination phase saw Veronica, from Jake La Furia’s team, land in the bottom two alongside Lenanie after the evening’s two heats, as detailed by Source 1. The judging panel ultimately voted to eliminate Veronica. Meanwhile, Teo Bok continued his run on Gabbani’s team following his recent flash-televote readmission, performing Queen’s “Don’t stop me now” to secure his spot on the stage.
Bookmakers currently position Irama's contestant Alex Fontana as a strong favorite for the title, according to Source 5, while other acts face a competitive roster that includes Camilla, Mad-Dog, and the remaining team members across all four mentorship groups.
Pop Star Appears as Special Guest
The pop artist, known for 70 million streams and international chart success with her pop-punk track “Fabulous,” performed during the evening as the primary guest artist. She is scheduled to release a new album in 2027 alongside a tour stop in Italy, according to production details from Source 1.
Frequently Asked Questions About X Factor 2026
Where can viewers watch X Factor 2026 episodes?
The show broadcasts live every Thursday on Sky and streams on NOW, with on-demand availability through Sky Go. Free-to-air broadcasts air on TV8 on the following Tuesday and on Cielo on the following Wednesday.
What ancillary shows air around the live broadcasts?
Mariasole Pollio hosts Ante Factor live from the backstage area prior to each Live Show at 21:00. X Factor Daily airs Monday through Friday at 20:30, and Road to X Factor broadcasts every Wednesday at 21:15.